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An isolated pterygotid ramus (Chelicerata: Eurypterida) from the Devonian Beartooth Butte Formation, Wyoming

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 July 2015

James C. Lamsdell  and
David A. Legg
James C. Lamsdell
Affiliation:
1Paleontological Institute, University of Kansas, 1475 Jayhawk Boulevard, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA,
David A. Legg
Affiliation:
2Department of Earth Science and Engineering, Imperial College, London SW7 2AZ, UK
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Abstract

An isolated ramus of the pterygotid eurypterid Jaekelopterus cf. howelli from the Early Devonian (Pragian) Beartooth Butte Formation (Cottonwood Canyon, north-western Wyoming) is described. Pterygotid taxonomy and synonymy is briefly discussed with the genera Pterygotus, Acutiramus and Jaekelopterus shown to be potential synonyms. The use of cheliceral denticulation patterns as a generic-level character is discouraged in light of variations within genera and its unsuitability as a major characteristic in the other eurypterid families.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Paleontology , Volume 84 , Issue 6 , November 2010 , pp. 1206 - 1208
Copyright
Copyright © The Paleontological Society 

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